How An Oil Cleanser Can Save Your Skin From Damage When Other Products Can't

Thanks to the existence of makeup removers, bi-phased cleansers, and micellar water, the temporarily hot trend of cleansing with oil has somewhat subsided. Involving the using an oil cleanser to remove stubborn makeup pigments, this purging with a lipid-rich product can save your skin a world of trouble which other cleansers can’t.

However, due to the general fear of oils, many avoid using one, especially those with oily skin. This, as you can tell by the subject of this article, is a mistake. Oils aren’t just beneficial as potent moisturisers as many believed, but are powerful cleansers. We break down the different benefits they offer so you can make the most of them.

Here’s what an oil cleanser is, and the various types

It is a no-brainer that oil cleansers, whether pure virgin nut and seed oils, or chemically-created oil-based makeup removers are an obvious part of this category. Coconut oil is a big one which many people swear by. Baby oil is another one. Apart from the obvious oils, this category contains a lot of other products. Cleansing balms, butters, and even creams (not the soapy kind, naturally) are the main ones you’ll find in the market.

The Body Shop Camomile Cleansing Butter is a solidified fatty butter which is extremely travel-friendly and mess-proof. An amazing way to gently sweep off all traces of heavy or light makeup, it’s ideal for sensitive skin because of the soothing effect on the skin thanks to its calming chamomile essence. The product even has an oil variant for those who don't want the mess of digging into a pan or tub.

The Clinique Take The Day Off Cleansing Balm is one of the most famous oil-based cleansers which is great for different skin types and removes makeup very easily, often in one swipe. That is probably why the seemingly overpriced tub actually goes a long way.

But if you think there is nothing out there for oily skin, you're wrong. The Dot & Key Steam Cleansing Balm, for instance, is specifically designed for us greasy girls, and leaves skin feeling soft and healthy without leading to breakouts.

Oil cleansing is the surest way to target colour makeup which is pretty much cemented to your face. From dry-matte liquid lipsticks to long-lasting waterproof mascara, the entire process is made much easier because of fat-rich, oily cleansers. The reason is well-explained by simple chemistry. Grease dissolves substances similar to it- like other dirt or oil- within itself. Not only that, germs are also attracted to fat. Once they latch on to the butter or oil, all you have to do it rinse off with water or a washcloth.

Hydrates your skin

Your skin needs additional TLC after chemical-laden makeup ravages skin. Makeup strips off the natural oils from skin and a oily based cleanser can replenish that by moisturising it and bringing it back to life, when face washes and soaps leave it parched.

It can help balance certain skin types much better than alcohol or soap-rich cleansers

Did you know that oily skin can actually benefit from using an oil to clean makeup even without following that up with a face wash? Certain types of oil, like jojoba, tamanu, and even rosehip, can be really beneficial for oily, combination, or acne-prone skin. This happens when you oil cleanse because skin senses the presence of an oil barrier on its surface, and doesn’t have to overproduce oil to compensate for the dryness which is caused by soapy washes. Hence, skin becomes less oily over time.

The lack of rubbing and tugging benefit skin in the long run

A gentle yet strong cleanser is your best friend, which is the best thing about these products. Anytime you touch your face and apply pressure to your skin, you risk aggravating it. The kind of scrubbing, rubbing and tugging you do while cleaning your face, especially around the delicate eye and mouth are (where most of our stubborn makeup is applied), is very harmful for the skin. It not only damages skin and leaves it red and raw, but pulling it can lead to premature wrinkles. That is why a product which effortlessly cleanses skin is one of the best things you can get for your skin.